Unlike their namesake, seed snails quickly produce healthy seedlings almost effortlessly.
Unlike its slow-moving namesakes, this gardening hack raced through Instagram and TikTok at high speed.
Intrigued, I decided to try this method for myself that summer.
Credit:Erica Browne Grivas
Here’s how my experiment went and how to try this method yourself.
What Are Seed Snails?
Seed snails let you grow more seedlings in less spacesomething every plant lover craves.
Credit:Farida Sober
I didnt have endless space, fancy equipment, or perfect conditions," she says.
“I had to find a way to grow food in a way that suited my reality.
Unlike traditional 2-inch-deep cells, the deeper rolls encourage long straight roots that are less likely to become rootbound.
Credit:Erica Browne Grivas
They also need watering less often and dont require “potting up.”
Lastly, the design keeps seedlings hydrated during their most vulnerable stage, boosting success rates.
That sold me on trying it on my urban Seattle lot.
Unless you countmicrogreens, my previous indoor seed-starting attempts were iffy at best.
Outdoors, if slugs or birds didnt get them, I forgot to water them.
Shallow-rooted or quick-sprouting crops may only need 4 inches, while long-standing crops like leeks would prefer 6.
To keep them upright, stack them in a tray or place them inside plastic pots.
Label each snail, and for extra insurance, write on the side.
Step 4: Cover and Care
Covering with plastic wrap can speed germination.
Remove it once seeds sprout.
Sober recommends top-watering until they sprout, and bottom-watering in the tray afterward.
pop launch the snail to add soil if needed before planting out.
Gently tease them apart, discarding spindly ones.
My thought was that the tubs would act as mini-greenhouses for added protection, and it worked!
I stationed the tubs in partial shade near my back door, where I could check on them regularly.
Its always key to keep an eye on moisture levels and weather.
When temperatures neared 80F, I removed the lid to prevent excessive heat buildup.
All three varieties germinated well and theseedlings were ready for transplantingin three weeks.
This was hands down my mostsuccessful seed-startingexperiment yet.
It seems gardeners worldwide are smitten with seed snails too, from Australia and Germany to Kentucky.
Barbra-Sue Kowalski grows on 68 acres in Western Kentucky.
She calls seed snails her new favorite growing method, sharing tips on YouTube and her blog.
My favorite aspects are they take so much less space and no up-potting, Kowalski says.
Shes grown melons, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, flowers, tomatoes, and herbs with the method.
Everything has grown well.
She reuses waterproof grain sacks for her wraps.
Twine can also replace tape to secure the snails.
Sober acknowledges the dilemma of finding a plastic-free option that works.
“Most biodegradable materials break down too quickly in a warm, damp environment,” she says.
“Paper gets moldy, and natural fabrics hold too much water.”
When trialing alternative materials, consider their moisture retention.
Next winter, I hope to combine seed snails withwinter sowingto grow even more cold-tolerant annuals and perennials.
